JULIE SPENCER, GLORY IN THE DUST (DOCO 2022)

Jindabyne’s Man From Snowy River Rodeo event has been held in Jindabyne NSW since 1943. Rodeo enthusiasts travel from all over the country to compete in this extreme sport extravaganza. They pursue glory in the dust of a rodeo arena and pay for the privilege to compete. In order to earn a qualified score, the cowboy, while using only one hand, must stay aboard a bucking horse or bull for eight seconds. One missed throw, one lost grip or if the rider touches the animal with his free hand, he is disqualified. Stock contractors supply the animals. Pick up men assist the riders to dismount and help free cowboys who get hung up in their rigging. This was my first rodeo experience, and one I will never forget. These cowboys are tough, really tough and they start competing at a young age, 14 years or younger. As they say in rodeo land, “Eight seconds is a chance of fame”. The rider in these images walked from the arena.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.